If you’ve been arrested and accused of a crime, you’re probably aware of what’s at stake. A criminal charge, even if it’s minor, can have a negative impact on your life. It not only limits your personal freedoms but also makes it difficult to find a job, qualify for federal aid, and more.
The best way to mitigate or potentially eliminate any criminal charge is to build a strong defense. That’s why our Centennial criminal defense lawyers offer experienced legal representation to those being charged with a crime. We know the risks of criminal charges and dedicate ourselves to finding a positive resolution for the accused.
Why You Should Choose Our Firm
Unlike some law firms, we take a personalized approach to every case we handle. No matter what questions you may have, your attorney is always one phone call away. We also offer all potential clients a free case review to see if we’re a good fit for them. In addition, our firm has a 5.0 out of 5.0 AV® Rating™ for high ethical and legal standards and has been featured in Best Lawyers in America® list. We constantly strive to serve our clients with the utmost professionalism and integrity.
Charges We Defend Against
At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., our Centennial criminal defense lawyers handle a variety of cases. Whether you’re facing charges for a DUI, domestic violence, drug possession, sexual assault, or theft, we’re here to fight for your rights. Here are some of the practice areas we provide for our clients in Colorado.
Violent Crimes
To prove a violent crime, the prosecution must demonstrate every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Depending on the circumstances, the prosecution may seek felony charges, such as:
- Menacing,
- Assault,
- Battery,
- Arson,
- Kidnapping,
- Domestic violence,
- Armed robbery,
- Manslaughter, or
- Murder.
These crimes carry the most lengthy sentences in Colorado upon conviction. In addition, a violent conviction has a significant chance of restricting your right to vote, possess firearms, and obtain employment. Our Centennial criminal defense legal team knows the consequences of these crimes and can vigorously defend your freedom.
Drug Charges
When it comes to drug charges, the quicker you hire a Centennial criminal defense attorney, the better. In many cases, law enforcement may use illegal methods to obtain evidence against you, whether it’s proof of possession or trafficking. This includes situations of entrapment, illegal search and seizure, Miranda rights violations, and legally defective warrants. Even if the evidence against you seems incriminating, contacting a lawyer is your best option.
DUI/DWAI
In Colorado, you can be subject to criminal charges for driving with a BAC above .05%. While any BAC between .05-.079% is only considered a DWAI, it still carries harsh penalties, such as fines, community service, or time in jail. However, a BAC above .08% usually results in a DUI. Even if the DUI is a first-time offense, it may lead to hefty fines or the suspension of your license for up to two years. For second- and third-time offenses, Colorado makes jail time mandatory.
Sex Crimes
Being charged with a sex crime can be devastating, especially because of the stigma attached to it. On top of that, the punishments in Colorado for sex crimes are incredibly harsh. This includes several years of jail time and being publicly registered as a sex offender with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Our criminal defense attorney Daniel Gerash has experience representing clients accused of a variety of sexual offenses, including:
- Indecent exposure,
- Prostitution,
- Sexual assault,
- Rape, and
- Internet sex crimes.
If you’re accused of a sex crime, it’s important to hire a Centennial criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
White Collar Crimes
There are several kinds of white collar crimes punishable under Colorado law. While a white collar crime is non-violent, it still leads to severe legal consequences. At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we have experience fighting a diverse range of white collar crime charges, including:
- Bank fraud,
- Insurance fraud,
- Healthcare fraud,
- Wire and mail fraud,
- Credit card and loan fraud,
- Check fraud,
- Mortgage fraud,
- Securities fraud,
- Money laundering, and
- Embezzlement.
Unlike other types of criminal cases, white collar crimes take several months or years to investigate. Even if you aren’t convicted, fighting a white collar crime charge takes significant time and financial resources. More serious felony charges, such as money laundering, also lead to up to 24 years of prison time in certain circumstances. For this reason, it’s essential to retain a Centennial criminal defense lawyer to help defend you.
Theft
Under CRS 18-4-401, Colorado defines theft as obtaining, retaining, or exercising control over something of value that belongs to another person without permission. The prosecution must also prove that the person accused of theft did so intentionally to deprive the owner of possession. Common theft charges in Colorado include:
- Motor vehicle theft,
- Rental property theft,
- Trade secret theft,
- Identity theft,
- Sound recording theft, and
- Medical record theft.
The theft charge pursued by the prosecution also depends on the value of the object allegedly stolen. For example, Colorado classifies any theft involving an object worth $50-$2,000 as a misdemeanor. For misdemeanor theft, you could face up to 1.5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines. In contrast, Colorado labels any theft involving more than $2,000 of value as a felony, which carries a maximum fine of $1 million and up to 24 years in prison.
Accused of a Crime? Our Centennial Criminal Attorneys Can Help
Being accused of any crime, whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, can permanently damage your livelihood. Don’t try to fight your case alone. At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., our Centennial criminal defense attorneys have a reputation for powerful, passionate defense. We commit ourselves to protect your rights and wellbeing at every step in your case. To schedule a case evaluation, call us today at 303-830-0630 or contact us online. We are proud to serve clients throughout Colorado from our offices in Denver and Evergreen.